Mind-Blowing Maths Tricks Your Kids Will Love

Not all children find it easy to memorize math facts and formats. If your child is struggling with numbers, show them these mind-blowing math tricks. These tips will transform the way they view math, turning it from an intimidating subject into one they approach with confidence and even enjoyment. Math can be fun and understandable.

Twin Numbers

A great way to keep track of multiplication is by using a multiplication table. If you look at the table, you’ll notice that every multiplication has a twin! For example, if you forget 8×2, you might remember 2×8=16. This means you only need to memorize half the table.

Credit: Memozor

Double, Double

The 4 times table is easier than you think! Just double, then double again. For example, to calculate 4×9, double 9 (18), then double 18 (36). Therefore, 4×9=36.

Steps:

• 4×9=?
• 9×2=18
• 18×2=36

So, 4×9=36.

Half, Then Times 10

To calculate the 5 times table, half the number, then multiply by 10. For example, to calculate 5×6, half 6 (3), then multiply by 10 (30). Therefore, 5×6=30.

Steps:

• 5×6=?
• 6÷2=3
• 3×10=30

6s Love Evens

When you multiply 6 by an even number, the result will always end in the same digit as the even number. Examples:

• 6×2=12
• 6×4=24
• 6×6=36

Double, Double, Double

For the 8 times table, double the number three times. For example, to calculate 8×6: double 6 (12), double 12 (24), then double 24 (48). Therefore, 8×6=48.

Steps:

• 8×6=?
• 6×2=12
• 12×2=24
• 24×2=48

10× the Number, Minus the Number

The first trick with the 9 times table is to multiply the number by 10, then subtract the same number. For example, to calculate 9×6: 10×6=60, then subtract 6. So, 60−6=54. Therefore, 9×6=54.

Steps:

• 9×6=?
• 10×6=60
• 60−6=54

Magical Finger Math

This trick makes the 9 times table easy. Spread your hands in front of you. To calculate 4×9, fold down the 4th finger. To the left of the folded finger, there are 3 fingers (representing tens), and to the right, there are 6 fingers (representing ones). So, 4×9=36.

Try this method for any number in the 9 times table!

Put a Zero After It

For the 10 times table, simply add a zero to the number. For example, 10×2=20. Another way to remember: the last digit of every result in the 10 times table is always 0.

Up to 9, Repeat the Digit

The 11 times table up to 9 is fun and simple. Just repeat the digit. For example, 11×4=44, 11×7=77, and 11×9=99.

The Sum Between

For 11 times numbers between 10 and 18, add the sum of the digits to the middle. For example, 11×15=1(1+5)5=165. Steps:

• 11×15=?
• 1(1+5)5=165

Need help mastering these tricks? Check out our online math tutors or visit our tutors in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, and Cape Town.